http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/3877356...140813162&ATT=5
Another plus for Brandon Rideau is that his contract is signed.
While Braylon Edwards, the club's top draft pick, remains elsewhere as the Browns and his agent haggle over performance incentives, roster bonuses, and guaranteed money, Rideau, an undrafted free agent from Kansas, is turning heads with every move he makes.
The rangy Rideau has looked more like a seasoned pro during the first weeks of camp than someone rejected by all 32 NFL teams in April's draft. During almost every practice, No. 1 has done something special.
On Tuesday, Browns coach Romeo Crennel was asked to name a player that has grabbed his attention.
"That Rideau kid," Crennel said of the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder. "He's done a pretty good job, for a free agent."
A three-year starter for the Jayhawks, Rideau is challenging for a roster spot with the Browns, who invited him to their rookie tryout camp in April. Right away, the slender wideout made an impression with his long, gangly stride and willingness to go over the middle and make a catch in a crowd.
"He showed size and flashed some ability," Crennel said. "Enough to sign him."
The Browns and Chicago Bears were the only teams to offer a tryout to Rideau, who caught 51 passes and seven touchdowns while being named honorable mention All-Big 12 as a senior. On draft day, Rideau, who finished two receptions shy of the KU school record, plopped himself in front of a TV and waited by the phone for an NFL team to call and tell him he had been chosen.
There was only silence.
"I thought I would go in the fourth round," he said. "I guess sometimes things happen or don't happen for a reason. Can you imagine sitting around and waiting to hear your name and you're hearing so many but yours?"
The initial rejection was tough on Rideau. But while it briefly stung his pride, it never stopped him.
Rideau, who led his Beaumont, Texas, high school team to a 36-0 record and state championship as a senior, signed with the Browns on May 3. He arrived at training camp intent on proving he belonged.
"I felt like I should've been drafted," Rideau said. "But seeing as how it didn't work out that way, I got a chip on my shoulder. I need to come out and prove everybody wrong."
Rideau has benefited from Edwards' absence by getting more repetitions. It has allowed him to develop a chemistry with Cleveland's quarterbacks. During the team's practice on Saturday night at Browns Stadium, Rideau caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from fellow rookie Charlie Frye.
Crennel said coaches have a soft spot for a player like Rideau.
"He goes against the odds because he's not expected to make it," Crennel said. "He's an undrafted free agent and we brought him in here for a tryout. He was able to get a contract out of that, work and show up at practice. There are no guarantees for him, but you do pull for guys like that - guys like that who overachieve and do it the hard way."
Crennel was asked if Rideau will make it in the NFL.
"I think there is a good chance he'll play in this league," he said.
He can be a good one, but he won't be starting any time soon. The game hasn't slowed down for him yet.
